10 DECEMBER 2016

Arizona/California Boxing News

Photo-Tymmarie Valderrama

By Ron Valderrama: Battle at Bluewater II premiers Sept. 17th when undefeated Filipino Light Welterweight sensation Mercito Gesta features in the main event taking on Manuel Perez at the BlueWater Resort and Casino in Parker.

Gesta has been sparring at Freddie Roach’s Wildcard Gym the past few weeks. Trainer Vince Parra has been reported as saying Gesta has sparred with three former world champions, WBO/IBF Light Welterweight Paul Malignaggi, WBC Featherweight and WBO Super Featherweight Jorge Linares; and former world champ Sugar Shane Mosley.

It will be a great fight and is a good match-up, predicting this fight going the distance, I see Gesta winning 8 of the 10 rounds and pulling away in the later rounds. Gesta is a patient fighter and with his power will prove to be to much for Manuel Perez.

This writer wanted to know what other people are thinking about this bout, so my good friend Tony Whitby of BoxingIQ was contacted about who he thought might win this fight. Tony said "Perez is a strong opponent, I see Gesta winning 7 rounds to 3. In a fight he looks great and Perez has his best rounds late, in the end won’t be enough".

The card will also feature Top Rank’s hot prospect, Light Welterweight Jose Benevidez, Jr. taking on Angel Rios. Benavidez Jr. has been sparring with Mercito Gesta; Sugar Shane Mosley, and also got in some good sparring with Paulie Malignaggi. Jose Jr. is also the subject of a boxing documentary titled "Round 1". The film takes a deep look at the life of this boxing prodigy and future star.

The exciting night of boxing will be televised on Fox Sports and also be telecast in the Philippines on ABS-CBN. Director of Boxing for Showdown Promotions, Gerry Truax says fans will be witness to a exciting night of boxing on the banks of the Colorado River.

Sept. 17th

Sept. 17th Face II Face Presents "STAR POWER" Mayweather vs Ortiz, The Official Fight Party, hosted by Undefeated Super Bantamweight Emilio "Milo Time" Colon Garcia at the Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery. 2 E. Jefferson in Phoenix. See the fight of the year and all the hype that goes along with it as this long awaited battle finally arrives. One could not go wrong for the $10 cover charge and all ages are welcome. Boxing fans will be treated to an exciting night of boxing, food and drink, get there early as this event is sure to fill up fast.

Oct. 21st

Sonoran Capital Group in association with Face II Face Events present Friday Night Fights 3 (FNF3) at the Madison Event Center on October 21, 2011. The undefeated Super Bantamweight Emilio "Milo-Time" Colon-Garcia is the main event and is trained by Andy Soto. The humble Garcia has become quite the local favorite and a star in and out of the ring. "Milo-Time" looks to improve his record to 4-0. The Co-Main Event is the relentless undefeated Junior Welterweight, Victor "El Nino" Castro trained by Eric Hernandez. He is also looking to improve his record to 4-0. The undercard has Light Welterweight Luis "The Magician" Olivares, he is a National Bronze Medalist, 2011 USA National Silver Medalist, 2011 USA Olympic Team Trials competitor, Golden Glove State & Regional Champion. Making his pro debut is Ritchie Guerrero, a Silver Gloves National Champion. With just over 100 amateur fights, Guerrero is ready for the pros and to make his mark in the Welterweight Division. He is trained by Alan Viers, whom also trains Jesus "El Martillo" Gonzales. The card will also feature Marcos "Nightmare" Diaz, banger Tony Moreno, and a former amateur standout and sensational prospect, Abel Ramos. Ramos is a 2010 State and Regional Champion, 2010 USA Boxing State and Regional Champion, USA Boxing National Bronze Medalist, and USA vs Puerto Rico International Duel Champion. The night will open with two top amateur bouts. The first fight features the much anticipated rematch of the 2011 Fight of the AZ Golden Gloves, Roderick Flores vs Freddie Cintora. The second amateur fight will feature the first ever GIRL BOUT for Face II Face Events will showcase Sulem Ubrina vs TBD. She hails from Phoenix and is 21 yrs. old. Urbina trains at the KO Gym in Phoenix and has been boxing for over 4 years and has an amateur record of 25-5. I have also just learned from Michelle Rosado that Jessie Ruiz out of the Central Boxing Gym in Phoenix will make his pro debut, no information on what weight division he will be fighting under as of yet. Michelle also said the weigh-in will be at Macayo’s Mexican Food in Phoenix, a longtime valley landmark and recently visited by President Obama.

Other News:

Phoenix, AZ-Super middle weight Champion Jesus Gonzales has until the end of the year to defend his titles otherwise he will forfeit them. He is looking at three possible foes and a defense in Phoenix sometime in late November or early December. He could be making an announcement in within a month. In the meantime, he is training and volunteering to help local charities. A fight at the Arizona State Fair won’t be happening but he will make an appearance at the Annual Event before he goes up to Calgary AB to watch Janks Trotter fight on the FanBase Promotions card November 4 at the Chinese Cultural Center.

Sept. 25th:

San Fernando-CA. Former WBC Super Featherweight Champion Gabriel Ruelas takes part in a charity event that is a passion for him. Ruelas has teamed up with a list of boxing notables and one heck of a former USC Trojan to benefit the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars. The 1st Annual Sports Memorabilia Collectors Show, sponsored by the V.F.W. Post 3834 will be held Sept. 25th at the V.F.W. Hall, 111 N. Hagar St. San Fernando, CA. On hand with Gabriel will be his brother and former IBF Lightweight Champ Rafael Ruelas; former WBC Welterweight Champ Carlos Palomino; former 2-time WBC Super Featherweight Champ Bobby Chacon; Hall of Famer Jesus "Little Poison" Pimentel; and USC Trojan 2 Sport (Football/Baseball-1974) National Champ Anthony "The Notre Dame Killer" Davis. For information call 818-361-9888 or 818-361-7976